Chapter Ninety-Nine: The Auction
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Xiao Xuefeng naturally understood that Fang Nian had nothing valuable to auction, which was why he was so lavishly calling him out. His words instantly stirred the entire atmosphere and focused everyone's attention squarely on Fang Nian.
Faced with this sudden spotlight, Fang Nian's expression remained calm and composed, showing no trace of nervousness.
“President Xiao, rest assured, the items the Xia family offers will not be inferior. Doing good has always been our family’s principle.”
A faint smile curled at the corner of Xiao Xuefeng’s mouth as he looked at Fang Nian and teased, “Brother Fang, I believe everyone is curious about what treasures you can possibly bring to auction. Why not show us now and let us have a glimpse?”
After speaking, Xiao Xuefeng urged the crowd to join in, as if forcing Fang Nian’s hand. If someone thinner-skinned were in his place, they would have surrendered long ago. But Fang Nian was no ordinary man; his skin was thicker than city walls, completely unfazed by Xiao Xuefeng’s provocation.
Fang Nian waved his hand and said, “No, the item I intend to present is probably the most valuable tonight. How could I simply reveal it so easily? It’s better to save it for the grand finale. I doubt there’s anything here more worthy of closing the auction than what I have.”
Xiao Xuefeng’s lips twitched, fury blazing in his eyes at Fang Nian’s arrogant claim. It was outrageous to boast before even showing the goods. “You haven’t even started the auction, yet you’re already claiming your item is the most valuable?”
Though angered, Xiao Xuefeng had no choice but to sit down, quietly nursing his resentment. Continuing to argue would only humiliate himself.
At that moment, Xu Fan approached and sat beside Xiao Xuefeng, patting his shoulder gently.
“Calm down. It’s not worth getting upset over someone like him. Let him show off a little. The items you brought are already valuable; even if the elders of the Xia family were here, they might not dare to put out such treasures. As for this guy, just a humble son-in-law, whatever he claims is likely just bluff. Just keep an eye on the back exit—don’t let him slip away. We’ll just wait and enjoy the show.”
Hearing Xu Fan’s words, Xiao Xuefeng nodded, feeling reassured. Xu Fan then lowered his voice to ask Xiao Xuefeng, “How’s the task I assigned you last time coming along? When will you make your move?”
Xiao Xuefeng’s demeanor softened slightly from his usual reckless self. “It's ready. Chang Ning is poised and ready. Next time Fang Nian steps into the hunting grounds, it won’t be so easy for him to walk away unscathed. Even if he doesn’t die in there, he’ll never set foot inside again.”
Xu Fan chuckled coldly upon hearing this.
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“Let’s hope you can deliver. If you succeed, I guarantee the hunting ground business in District 16 will be dominated solely by the Xiao family. The Tan family and that so-called Cloud Hunt Pavilion will surely vanish from the map.”
Xiao Xuefeng’s mood brightened; he raised his glass and downed it. “Thanks for your blessing.”
...
A few more minutes passed before the charity gala moved to its highlight—the charity auction. A group of women dressed in traditional Chinese qipao began circulating among the tables to collect auction items.
“Hello, please hand over your auction items. Thank you.”
Fang Nian smiled faintly at a female server who approached him.
“Sorry, my collection is the most valuable tonight and will be auctioned last. So please collect others’ items first. When it’s time for the final lot, I’ll bring mine out.”
The server looked troubled.
“Um…”
At that moment, a pleasant female voice sounded nearby.
“What’s the matter?”
The server turned to see Manager Liu Yunduo, recently appointed by Director Jiang. Liu Yunduo was a freshly graduated PhD who had just been promoted to banquet hall manager. The server explained Fang Nian’s request to her.
Liu Yunduo had been the guest room manager at Beicheng Grand Hotel and was just about to clock out when Jiang Shan called her to urgently take over as banquet hall manager, promising a promotion to deputy general manager if she performed well.
Liu Yunduo, respecting Jiang’s wishes, hurried over and had already inquired among staff about why the previous female manager was demoted.
Upon hearing Fang Nian’s request, she quickly approached and said politely, “Mr. Fang, apologies. Our servers don’t recognize you. Since you want to present your item last, I’ll come to collect it after President Xiao’s items have been auctioned. Does that work?”
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Fang Nian was momentarily surprised. Tonight, nearly everyone had confronted him except this female manager, who was very courteous. Of course, Fang Nian understood this courtesy must be thanks to the manager’s backing, but it still left him in good spirits.
“Alright, let’s do it as you suggest.”
Liu Yunduo nodded promptly and withdrew, her professionalism evident—clearly well-trained.
Moments later, aside from Fang Nian’s item, nearly all auction items were collected by Liu Yunduo, and the auction officially began.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m delighted you could take time out of your busy schedules to attend our auction tonight, contributing to help those living beyond the walls. Without further ado, let’s begin the auction.”
“The first item tonight is an antique: a pair of blue and white porcelain vases from the Qing Dynasty. Please take a look. These small vases are covered in an endless sea of flowers. Holding one feels like holding a garden in bloom, as if you could even smell the fragrance. Notice the delicate brows and lively eyes of the painted figures—it’s hard to believe a human hand crafted such beauty.”
“I’ve always loved blue and white porcelain in my life. Gazing at the patterns, one imagines a drop of magical blue ink accidentally falling onto the pure white glaze, instantly taking root like a seed in soil, sprouting and flourishing. Bloom after bloom, the flowers entwine along the vines, shimmering and gradually covering the vase.”
“Though reality may lack such magic, the exquisite craftsmanship is truly awe-inspiring. The master’s brush dances across the vase as if by divine inspiration, creating a natural and flawless beauty, a national treasure!”
“This exquisite pair starts at 100,000 Hope Coins, with minimum increments of 10,000. Let the bidding begin.”
“110,000…”
“150,000…”
“200,000…”
“Alright, 200,000. Any bids higher than 200,000? 200,000 once, 200,000 twice, sold for 200,000.”
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